1st shave down

So I got my package today, and needless to say I was excited. I tore open the package much like my 6 year old does at Christmas. I got a 5/8 Dovo Ebony, and a VDH Premier shaving starter kit. I first checked the Dovo and noticed that the package was open (good sign as the company I ordered from said they hone the razors, you know the "shave ready" statement). Before I did anything else, I wanted to make sure I could actually make lather. The VDH soap smelled alright to me, but it seemed like it would dry out quickly, causing me to re-lather every few minutes or so. This could be from me not having enough water in the mix, I'll experiment with that more in the coming weeks. Okay, onto the shave. I did follow the guide and stuck to my sideburns down, I thought I would be using my right hand for both sides, based on the fact that I don't trust my left hand, but I found switching hands much more comfortable and allowed me to get my angle much easier. I stuck with a WTG, didn't want to go overboard my first time, but overall it went well and I'm looking forward to continuing this journey. I said that I didn't want to do too much my first time, but of course I had to try and gave myself a little nick just below my nose. I know, I know.... Thats what I get for rushing and not following the guide. Luckily, it wasn't bad at all and I finished with my regular disposable and some Bay Rum to complete the inaugural ritual. Just wanted to share my experience, can't wait till tomorrow :)

Sounds like my first shave last week. The cheeks went well, so I thought "why not try a little more?" Ended up with a little nick on the corner of my mouth, and my neck was feeling a little raw, haha. Still struggling with the point of my chin and right under the point (getting nice and close, good angles), but the shaves are getting better all around!

Congrats to you both. I too have had my moments of "shoulda waited till next week to try that".

Bravo Chewie! 'Sounds like a fine start. 'Much better than mine.

I found VDH soap indistinguishable from Conk Glycerine. They work, but do dry very fast. That really won't change, and may get worse by adding more water. 5 drops of liquid glycerine helped, but you may wish to look at soap/cream reviews for your next suds supply.

If you did this well on your maiden voyage, you're gonna love this.

Sounds like it went really well, for both of you. It's a good idea to use both hands. In the beginning, I was reluctant to try my left hand, as I'm 'VERY' right handed. However, I stuck to it and now it's a breeze.

Drying lather is definitely not enough water. It's amazing at times how much water a cream can soak up, esp those containing glycerine. It sounds weird, but it's a good idea to practice making cream. Mix in the water a little at a time by dipping your fingers in the sink and dribbling the water down your fingers into the cream. Add only a little at a time; whipping in between. Sometimes I may add water 5 - 7 times. When practising, you'll find that you may go over the limit of the cream to hold water, and it'll end up watery. The benefit of it simply being a practice session is you won't be tempted to try and shave with a cream that's too watery, or won't have to muck around adding cream to 'fix' the mix. If you do decide to practice, don't just wash the practice mix down the sink, put it on your face anyway, as it'll still be good on your face :-)

Nice! I eagerly anticipate my dovo arriving this week and first straight shave. My neck is getting really itchy in anticipation.

Sounds great guys!! please follow the wiki!! its really good information on there and it will make it much less confusing, go slow and enjoy!